Question

question 14 of 20
how did ronald reagans aggressive economic policies contribute to the
collapse of the soviet union?
a. reagans policies eased the tensions between the soviet union
and the united states, causing many soviets to favor capitalism
over communism.
b. reagans policies encouraged soviet citizens to immigrate to the
united states, greatly lowering the population of the soviet union
and damaging its economy.
c. reagans policies forced the soviet union to spend more money on
weapons and military commitments, exposing weaknesses within
the soviet economy.
d. reagans policies made it easier for soviet citizens to speak out
against communism, leading to protests and revolutions in
communist countries.

Explanation:

Ronald Reagan's aggressive economic policies, such as the "Star Wars" (Strategic Defense Initiative) and increased military spending, put pressure on the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had to respond by increasing its own military - related expenditures. However, the Soviet economy was already facing inefficiencies (like a command - and - control economy that couldn't adapt quickly to new technological and economic demands). This increased military spending further strained the Soviet economy, highlighting its weaknesses.

• Option A: Reagan's policies were not about easing tensions in a way that made Soviets favor capitalism. His policies were more confrontational in terms of economic and military posturing.
• Option B: There is no significant evidence that Reagan's economic policies led to a large - scale emigration of Soviet citizens that damaged the Soviet economy.
• Option D: While there were internal factors in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe that led to protests and changes, Reagan's economic policies were more about economic - military competition rather than directly facilitating free speech for anti - communist protests.

Answer:

C. Reagan’s policies forced the Soviet Union to spend more money on weapons and military commitments, exposing weaknesses within the Soviet economy.